Eshete Receives $35,000 in Funding from Homeland Security

February (2017) —Matthewos Eshete, an associate professor of chemistry at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) has received an award from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which would allow the professor to conduct a research project.

Earlier this month Eshete was informed of the award in the amount of $35,000. His proposal is titled, “Interaction of Modified and Unmodified Biodegradable Nanoparticles with Innate Immune System Collectin Proteins.”

It was submitted to the Department of Homeland Security Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions for continued research and collaboration with the Center of Excellence for Zoonotic and Animal Disease (ZADD).

For Eshete the award is based on a review process conducted by DHS and according to the selection committee it reflects the high quality of the proposal and Eshete’s capabilities in the field.

“I am most honored to be awarded the research grant from DHS to investigate the effect of surface modification on biodegradable nanoparticles,” said Eshete.

“Nanomaterials are products of cutting-age technology with promising and tremendous potential applications including vaccine and drug delivery. I hope that our effort would shed light on the effective design of biodegradable nanoparticles and thus, contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field as well as enhance the capability of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” he added.

Ultimately, the hard work put in by Eshete in his research is a direct reflection of his desire to motivate his students.

“I have always tried to give the best science education to my students, and this opportunity strengthened my desire to motivate students; kindle their interest by engaging them in basic research to make them become a key participant in science and technology,” added Eshete.

The award will be administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). ORISE is a Department of Energy (DOE) institute specializing in science education and research participation activities for DOE and other federal agencies.

Eshete received his Ph.D. from Tulane University in New Orleans. He has an extensive background in various scientific fields, including biochemistry, organic and bio-analytical chemistry. He teaches biochemistry, general chemistry and helps direct senior research projects.